Abstract: A method for the production of a mixture of solid particles dispersed in a continuous lipid phase which enables a mixture to be obtained with the optimum organoleptic characteristics includes a mixing step in which the solid particles are mixed with the lipids to form a mixture, a refining step in which the solid particles are ground and a step in which micronized bubbles of gaseous fluid are incorporated in the mixture by means of at least one microporous diffuser.

Abstract: A mill for the fine grinding of solid particles in general comprises a casing defining an internal grinding chamber through which extends a motor-driven, rotatable shaft having outer surface which is helical along a longitudinal portion thereof and having stirrer means for stirring grinding bodies in the grinding chamber, the grinding bodies being given a component of movement along the axis of the shaft which, being superimposed on the mixing movement generated by the stirrer means, causes their circulation within the grinding chamber so as to make the temperature therein uniform and the ground product more homogeneous.

Abstract: A fluidising apparatus for a mixture of solid particles dispersed in a continuous lipid phase, which allows the mixture to be fluidised rapidly, comprises a casing that defines an annular chamber having an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture, and a rotor that functions within the annular chamber to transfer mechanical energy to the mixture, a baffle being inserted in the annular chamber to render unusable one arc of the annular chamber and to create an obligatory pathway for the mixture in the remaining arc of the annular chamber which extends between the above-mentioned apertures.

Abstract: An autoclave for processing cocoa liquor, wherein for the effectuation of all the processing steps of a cocoa liquor involved, additionally to inlet (5) and discharge ports for the product, heater means, stirrer means, and level and temperature (7) gages, there are provided an intake port (11a) for the infeed of water, treated roasting hot air, steam or process solution, in conjunction with a neutral gas intake port (11), a suction port (11b) for vacuum forming, a thermal treatment means (9) selectively associable with a source of a heated fluid or with a source of a cooling fluid, means (16,34) of conveying and centrifuging the mixture of product plus water or infeed solution, means (22) of dispersing the product in the form of a free-falling umbrella-like layer, and means (32,28,33) of displacing the product in opposite directions.